5 Tips to Boost Your Job Search

The dreaded job search – you spend hours each day applying for jobs with no end in sight. You haven’t received any interview offers or even a phone call . But don’t give up. You’re not alone. According to Jobvite it takes over 6 weeks to find a new job. (time varies depending on your industry.) If you’re in a job search rut, or just beginning to look, here are some great tips to boost your job search.

Set Up Job AlertsIf you want your application to even be considered, you need to be one of the first few applicants. Job postings that have over 50+ applicants and/or over a month old are not worth wasting your time over. The likelihood your application being considered decreases significantly. That’s why it’s important to create job alerts. By doing this, you are setting yourself up to be one of the first applicants for a job posting and increase your chance of getting your resume looked at.

Make LinkedIn a PriorityIf you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, create one. LinkedIn is heavily used by recruiters and HR departments to source people for job openings. Join groups within the realm you work, connect with people who hold similar interests, and follow different companies that you’d be interested in working for. You can start by following APR on LinkedIn.

Perfect Your Resume
When was the last time you updated your resume? Take some time and update it. Lose the objective statement and write a 2-3 sentence overview about why you would be a good fit for the position. Instead of writing a task list, write about your successes at the company. Did you streamline a process that saved the company time and money or did you exceed your sale quota? Think in terms of accomplishments, not job tasks.

Work with a RecruiterStaffing agencies are a great way to find unique opportunities. Recruiters are presented with hundreds of job opportunities to fill for their clients weekly. Find a recruiter who hires in your realm of work and let them know you’re looking for new opportunities.

Let your friends knowReferrals are one of the best ways to get in with a company. Rather it be through social networking or meeting with friends, be sure to let them know your searching for a job.